East Texas Road Trip

Growing up, every summer included a trip to Camp Deer Run. Michael knows it is my favorite place on earth, and that if he decides to spread any of my ashes, I want them there. Whenever any meditation exercise asks me to picture a place where I can relax completely, I picture a quiet time just off a trail in the woods at camp. As a preteen, teenager, and young adult, this is where I had some of my first and formative encounters with God and learned a lot about how the community of believers can work for his glory!

So, Michael didn't roll his eyes (much) when I told him I felt like I was approaching the gates of Jerusalem as we drove up the little road to camp and underneath the Deer Run sign! It was middle Sunday at 4th session, and a bunch of us old campers and staff met together to have a good time, see the new pool, and let our kids meet each other. Most of them are blog friends already (we parents show them pictures of their long-distance buddies), and many of them will be camp friends as well.

Here is the gang:


















Sparky did a great job recapping the day, so click to the Deer Run Alumni blog for more pics and details about the day at camp.

Here are some of my favorite pics of my kids:


Wet heads



June showing off her fat roll tan lines







Feeble attempt at family picture and fraternal drowning.


The new pool has a new slide too. I love that Owen was brave enough to attempt it, but I love the background view even better. I love swimming with the trees all around.




June wants you to visit Camp Deer Run!



We also were able to go to Tyler and visit my grandparents. June was loving on Granddad big time, and I'm so glad that Owen could visit Grandmom. After praying for her a lot these last few months, it was nice for him to see her in good spirits and improving health. Keep up the good work Grandmom!














In other random photos, the best souvenir I have brought home lately was a cocktail umbrella from a beach themed baby shower. Owen had a mocktail every day for longer than I'd like to count...pointy end pointed at baby sister one too many times led to its eventual demise.




June is starting to talk a little bit more. She says Momma, Dada, Bubba (Owen), hi, buh-bye, Shu-shu (my mom, Sushi), Den-den (my mom's dog Denny), and dis (as in, "what's this").

Still, with all the talking, I don't think it's time for talking while in the car.




As for talking naked, she is wearing a diaper...really. After the day at camp, June didn't make it back into her clothes for the road trip home. Michael changed her out of her swim suit, buckled her in while he put away the stroller and got a new outfit from the trunk, and came back to find her already asleep. 2 hours later, she woke up to take a call.

That's a catch up post for us, friends! May your next road trip be as sweet as this one!